Constant outages leave Busia traders counting losse

PHOTO | FILE Kenya Power workers fixing a damaged section in the past. Business owners in Busia are worried about frequent power outages they say are costing them huge losses.  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Chairman Stephen Obala said some have been using power from neighbouring Uganda.
• Kenya Power Busia branch business head Evans Agesa said they are doing their best to end the frequent interruptions.

By LINET WAFULA
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Business owners in Busia are worried about frequent power outages they say are costing them huge losses.

Chairman Stephen Obala said some have been using power from neighbouring Uganda.

“We are asking Kenya Power and the county government to address the menace,” he said.

Chairman of cross border trade, David Irulu, said jua kali artisans, hotel owners and traders dealing in electronic items were suffering most.

“Unless the outages are resolved, Busia County will stagnate economically,” Mr Irulu said.

The traders complain that despite the blackouts, their monthly bills keep going up. Hotel owners also say they are loosing food which goes bad.

Kenya Power Busia branch business head Evans Agesa said they are doing their best to end the frequent interruptions.

“The main transformer that connects Rangala to Bumala had a problem, but repairs are ongoing,” said Mr Agesa.

The county leadership has said that it is exploring green and renewable energy options.